Drought in France forces authorities to restrict water use

Due to the drought that resulted from a record-breaking May, France has declared a special situation regarding the use of freshwater in 24 departments.

France's Ecological Transition Ministry reported that restrictions had been introduced in the departments affected by the drought, in particular, a ban on filling swimming pools with water, washing cars, and in some cases watering gardens, Interfax reports, citing Le Figaro.

The most heat-affected parts of the country are reportedly the west and south.

Already in mid-April, eight departments introduced restrictive measures. In 2021, during the same period, only two such departments were affected by the heat, and in 2020 - three.

"This year the drought started very early," new French Prime Minister Elizabeth Born said during a working trip to the Loire department.

She recalled that the government will allocate €400 million to help livestock farmers who will experience problems with livestock feed.

"We are taking measures to control water resources to avoid an unmanageable situation this summer," Born said.

The head of government added that the prefects were instructed to ensure maximum savings in water resources, and an appeal was made to all French people to reduce their water consumption due to the alarming situation.